Inspectors praise Penley school for all-round performance

A SECONDARY school is celebrating a successful inspection after its Estyn report was published.

The Maelor School in Penley achieved “good” results for both the school’s current performance and prospects for improvement.

Teaching was said to be “highly effective” in the report.

Inspectors also judged pupils’ attitude and behaviour as being “very good”.

Headteacher for the past three years at the Maelor, Simon Ellis, said he was ‘delighted’ with the results.

Mr Ellis, 41, said: “The report highlights the good progress the school is making.

Pupils and parents are extremely pleased with the school and this reflects that. I would like to go on record and thank all the staff for their hard work and commitment and the pupils deserve praise.

“There are areas we are always looking to improve and hopefully this report will enhance our reputation for being a successful school.”

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said: “I visit the Maelor School regularly and the conduct and enthusiasm of the pupils never fails to impress me.

“It’s also clear to see that the teachers genuinely care about the children’s outcomes.

“This is a superb report, which everyone connected to the school – the pupils, teachers, support staff, parents and governors – can feel rightly proud of. They have all played their part and their hard work is paying off.

“Mr Ellis and his leadership team have done a fantastic job over the past two years or so and have shown clear direction which has enabled the school to go from strength to strength. Well done everyone.”

The Estyn report said: ‘Most pupils have a clear understanding of how to eat and drink healthily and the importance of taking regular exercise.

“All pupils have opportunities to participate in many activities in the school and in the wider community and there is a high take up of these.

“Nearly all pupils feel safe in the school and most feel that the school deals well with bullying.

“Most pupils behave very well and have a positive attitude to learning. They work with concentration and engage purposefully in tasks.

“They show enthusiasm for, and pleasure in, their learning.”

The report also stated the need for the school to address the difference in grades between boys and girls at key stage three and four.